Stephen Bloom cites ‘frightening’ feedback to Atlantic article

Stephen Bloom says that for the first time in his career he’s frightened by what he calls a “raging bonfire” of backlash against his critique of Iowa and is concerned for his family’s safety.

Stephen Bloom (provided photo)

Bloom is the University of Iowa professor whose online article for the Atlantic, “Observations from 20 years of Iowa life,” has triggered an intense debate over its depiction of a decaying state with “some of the scuzziest cities” located along the Mississippi River and the “depressed, crime-infested slum town” of Keokuk.

“For 40 years as a journalist, I’ve tried to shine a light into dark corners. That’s what good journalists do. They don’t accept what politicians, government bureaucrats, corporate spokespeople say is the truth. Good journalism isn’t just reporting. It’s making observations, trying to make sense out of the world and its shadows — even if readers don’t agree with those observations.

“This lengthy story asks readers to think about the long-term future of Iowa. It raises uncomfortable truths rarely discussed — but truths that absolutely need to be discussed no matter how difficult it may be to do so.

“When my book ‘Postville’ came out in 2000, I was called some of the most hateful names imaginable. Many of my fellow Iowans took issue with me and what I reported. Eleven years later, the issues I raised in that book — about undocumented workers, pollution, unsafe working conditions, sexual abuse, financial irregularities — all have proven true.

“As happened with ‘Postville,’ over the last several days, I’ve received scores of emails and phone calls, calling me all sorts of hateful things. Some of the responses, frankly, are frightening.

“Diversity of opinion is a cornerstone of democratic thought and principle. It’s what we hold above almost everything else.

“The easiest response to my article is to condemn me and the issues I raise. That’s a tried-and-true tactic. Kill the messenger, ignore the message. That’s safe and convenient. But it doesn’t get at some of the raw, undeniable questions this story poses.”